Arts & Entertainment

Lesbian seeks support for new documentary

Student chronicling effort behind D.C. Women’s Initiative

Published

14 years ago

December 6, 2012

Santiago Melli-Huber

A vintage clipping used in Kelsey Brannan’s in-the-works lesbian documentary. (Image courtesy of Brennan)

A local director is seeking the support of the LGBT community to help her tell a story she’s passionate about.

Georgetown University student Kelsey Brannan and the Washington Blade are hosting a preview of Brannan’s upcoming documentary “Labor of Love” at the Blade offices (1712 14th St., 2nd floor) on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. Following the 10-minute preview will be a Q&A segment with Brannan and subjects of the film.

Complimentary wine will be served and guests are encouraged to network, socialize and discuss what they would like from a new space.

“Labor of Love” follows the D.C. Women’s Initiative, founded this past March, in its mission to establish a physical space to connect lesbians in the community and existing organizations together. Their goal is to open a space in March. The documentary also includes vignettes highlighting the history of former lesbian spaces in D.C., including Sisterspace and Lammas Bookstore.

In the film, former Lammas Bookstore owner Denise Bump reflects on the impact the store had, saying it was part of a movement of women helping other women. She hopes to see something similar in the new center. Bump is head of the D.C. Women’s Initiative and will be available during the event’s Q&A segment.

The evening is largely a fundraising event. Brannan is attempting to reach a goal of $15,000 by Jan. 1. The funds will go to hiring a full-time editor, composer and cinematographer and cover other production costs. She has raised $2,800 through startsomegood.com. All donations will be canceled if she does not meet the goal by the deadline. While she is confident she will be successful, if she falls short, Brannan said she will explore other outlets of fundraising.

She hopes the event will generate interest in the documentary throughout the lesbian community. In a written statement, Brannan says, “The event is designed to get people more engaged with the project, secure more donors and get feedback from the community about what women want from a new space.”

Brannan estimates that about 40 percent of her filming is complete, thanks to “the generosity of my friends with cameras.” Filming will continue in January and February and the documentary will premiere in late April.

Brannan began developing the film as her master’s thesis project, which she defends in May. When she first arrived in Washington, Brannan searched for a physical space where she and other lesbians could spend time and connect with the community. In a video statement on her film’s website (laboroflovefilm.org), she says she discovered a history of such spaces, which no longer exist, compiled by the Rainbow History Project.

“It’s hard to tap into a community when you move to a new place,” Brannan says, commenting on her early days in D.C. “I wanted to look into the past to see why these spaces existed and why they disappeared.”

This personal desire to find a community became the inspiration for her film.

The project has two components. Brannan plans to expand the documentary and show it at festivals, including the Reel Affirmations Xtra series in June. There is also an archive on the film’s site featuring clips, interview segments and personal stories about the importance of having such spaces for women. Brannan plans for the project to be ongoing.

In the film, D.C. Women’s Initiative member June Crenshaw explains how such a space would fill a void in the community.

“The space is not going take the place of all of the organizations and groups that are out there doing a whole host of wonderful things,” she says, “but it’s really going to provide that centralized place for us to find each other.”

Brannan credits her community as a driving force behind the documentary and appreciates the support she has received. “Every woman I interviewed was a huge part of the project,” she says. “Without them, it wouldn’t be possible, and without the D.C. Women’s Initiative space, I wouldn’t have a narrative.”

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Books

Curl up with a good book this fall

New releases include mysteries, biographies, religion, and more

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The fall books season offers lots of options so curl up and get ready to read.

FICTION

For the mystery fan who likes a sprinkle of thriller, look for “The Longest Death” by Kevin Jagernauth (Soho Crime, December). Richard Cobson hates his small town, he’s bored and desperate to get away. Stealing from his employer is the only thing that makes life bearable. That all changes when Marlon Montgomery comes to town and the two fall in love because if one guy can steal so easily, what can two do?

If you like graphic novels, try the “Tripping Over You” trilogy by Suzana Harcum and Owena White. Milo and Liam are finally able to be open about their relationship, no more hiding their love. They’re living together now, but can it last? “Tripping Over You Book 3” (First Second Books) is in stores in early November.

Also try “Diana: The Punk Singer Who Ripped Through Time” by Nate Powell (Abrams ComicArts, October). It’s about a young woman who’s trying desperately to escape her past, until a mysterious murder sidetracks her plans.

So you say you’re a romantic at heart? Then look for “Unspeakable Things: A Novel” by Elizabeth Hand (Little, Brown & Company, October). It’s a story set in the 1920s, when two young women arrive in the English Countryside to a dark and ancient manor. But, of course, nothing in a Gothic novel is easy, right? And you’ll love this tale.

NONFICTION

So this upcoming year is going to be one of exploration, right? Then look for “Free Love: Adventures in Marriage and Polyamory” by Michelle Tea (HarperOne, November). It’s a well-researched, personal, and interesting look at the lives of polyamorous couples and what it’s like to live what used to be called an “alternative” lifestyle.

If “fall” says “biography” to you, then look for “Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man” by Murray Hill (Gallery Books, October). For decades, Hill has been making audiences laugh with his signature humor, but getting laughs hides his past all too well. He grew up in an abusive family and learning to hone his talents took some ingenuity. If you’re not a Hill fan yet, you will be, once you read this book.

For the reader who’s searching for a spiritual place, “Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes: Good News for LGBTQ+ People from Genesis to Revelation” by podcasters Brian G. Murphy and Shannon T.L. Kearns (HarperOne, December) might help. Here, the authors look deeply at Scripture to find the queerness that’s there, proving to readers that the Word is not always what it seems.

Young readers may want to check out “Bitter Pill: Randy Shilts and the Dawn of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic” by Clement Xavier, illustrated by Heloise Cochois, foreword by Michael Lee (Abrams ComicArts, November). It’s a highly researched true story of activist Shilts, but also of Harvey Milk, and the earliest days of the AIDS crisis, when gay men needed a loud voice to advocate for them.

And finally, if you want a fun book for your kids or a child you love, look for “Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads” by Bret Shuford, illustrated by Elena Hager (Penguin Workshop). What do parents do when they go to work? A little boy learns that his dads have very special jobs by day – and by night! It’s a cute book for kids, but a special tale for lovers of Broadway.

Be aware that publication dates change, titles change, books can be canceled, and your librarian or favorite bookseller can help you find what you need. Season’s readings!